This miniature, by William Wood, was painted in 1806, showing Lieutenant William Marshall in the dress jacket of the 79th Cameron Highlanders. The collar and lapels are very dark green and he has gold lace button-holes, and a gold epaulette on his left shoulder. The uniform agrees with that worn in the portrait of Philips Cameron. Marshall was severely wounded at the battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815 and had to have his arm amputated.
William Marshall was born near Fochabars, Morayshire, in 1780. His father, also William Marshall, was a land steward to the Duke of Gordon and a noted composer of more than 280 Scottish airs and melodies for the fiddle. The younger William joined the 79th as an ensign on 7 Nov 1799 and fought in Egypt in 1801, gaining a gold medal from Sultan Selim III. He was promoted to lieutenant on 25 June 1803 and to captain on 19 July 1910. He served in the Peninsular war, at Corunna, Busaço, Fuentes d’Onor, Salamanca, Nivelle, Nive and Toulouse. He was wounded and received a silver war medal with eight clasps. He continued to serve after his amputation at Quatre Bras and was promoted to major on 29 July 1824, and lieutenant-colonel on 1 Jan 1838. He retired on 17 Sep 1839 and lived to the age of 90.
